Fluid and Electrolyte Balance in A&P Review
Normal magnesium range
1.3-2.1 mg/dL for healthy individuals.
Normal Potassium Range
3.5-5.0 mEq/L in blood.
Normal Calcium Range
8.5-10 mg/dL in blood.
Albumin
A blood protein that pulls fluid in.
Oliguria
A condition characterized by low urine output.
Hypernatremia
A condition where sodium levels are too high.
Hyponatremia
A condition where sodium levels are too low.
Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD)
A lack of fluid in the body from either insufficient intake or excessive loss.
Dehydration
A lack of water in the intracellular space.
Hypovolemia
A lack of water in the intravascular space, resulting in decreasing circulating blood volume.
Blood Osmolality
A measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood; > 295 mOsm/kg indicates dehydration.
Urine Specific Gravity
A measure of urine concentration; > 1.030 indicates more solids and less liquid.
Glucose
An important osmotic solute involved in fluid shifts.
Sodium
An important osmotic solute that pulls fluid in.
Causes of hypermagnesemia
Antacids, laxatives, renal failure, IV magnesium.
Neurological Status Monitoring
Assessing brain function for electrolyte imbalances.
Serum Sodium Levels
Blood sodium concentration measurement for safety.
Signs of Hypernatremia
CNS symptoms like agitation and confusion.
Signs of Hyponatremia
CNS symptoms like confusion and seizures.
Signs of hypomagnesemia
Chvostek's sign, Trousseau's sign, confusion, spasms.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Common infection, often caused by E. coli.
Signs of hypermagnesemia
Decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, bradycardia.
Isotonic
Does not affect fluid movement between body compartments.
Patient education for UTI prevention
Drink fluids, maintain hygiene, void regularly.
Signs of Hyperkalemia
Dysrhythmias and muscle paralysis symptoms.
Signs of Hypokalemia
Dysrhythmias and muscle weakness symptoms.
Signs of UTI
Dysuria, hematuria, frequency, confusion in elderly.
Potassium's Role
Essential for cardiac electrical conduction.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Estimates blood flow through kidneys per minute.
Hypervolemia
Excess of both water and electrolytes, so the vascular space is overloaded.
Chvostek's Sign
Facial muscle contraction upon nerve tapping.
Signs of Hypercalcemia
Fatigue, lethargy, and potential seizures.
Risk factors for UTIs
Female gender, diabetes, urinary catheters, poor hygiene.
Trousseau's Sign
Finger cramping when BP cuff inflates.
Nephrons
Functional units of the kidney, filter blood.
Hypercalcemia
High calcium levels in the blood.
Hypertonic
High concentrations of solutes (glucose, sodium) will pull water into that body compartment from other compartments.
Hypermagnesemia
High magnesium levels leading to toxicity.
Hyperkalemia
High potassium levels in the blood.
Causes of Hyperkalemia
Impaired renal excretion and acidosis.
Calcium's Role
Important for muscle contraction and blood clotting.
Causes of Hypokalemia
Includes GI losses and renal losses.
Causes of Hyponatremia
Includes GI losses, renal losses, and excess water.
Lower urinary system
Includes bladder and urethra for urine storage.
Causes of Hypernatremia
Includes excess sodium intake and water loss.
Causes of Hypercalcemia
Includes hyperparathyroidism and prolonged immobilization.
Upper urinary system
Includes kidneys and ureters for urine transport.
Causes of Hypocalcemia
Includes parathyroid dysfunction and malnutrition.
Pyelonephritis
Kidney infection causing potential acute kidney injury.
Fluid Restrictions
Limiting fluid intake as part of managing fluid volume excess.
Fluid Restriction
Limiting fluid intake to manage water excess.
Hypocalcemia
Low calcium levels in the blood.
Hypotonic
Low concentrations of solutes means that fluid will move out of that body compartment into others.
Hypomagnesemia
Low magnesium levels causing various symptoms.
Hypokalemia
Low potassium levels in the blood.
IV Potassium Chloride Rate
Max infusion rate is 10 mEq/hour.
Seizure Precautions
Measures to prevent injury during seizures.
Diuretics
Medications that promote urine production.
Signs of Hypocalcemia
Muscle cramps and seizures symptoms.
Evaluate outcomes for UTI treatment
Normal urinary patterns, symptom relief, knowledge of regimen.
Foods high in magnesium
Nuts, green vegetables, bananas, oranges, chocolate.
Complicated UTI
Occurs with structural abnormalities or in males.
Nursing care for hypomagnesemia
Oral supplements, dietary intake, IV magnesium sulfate.
Causes of hypomagnesemia
Pancreatitis, alcoholism, GI losses, malnutrition.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
Regulates blood pressure via renin release.
Magnesium
Second most abundant intracellular cation.
Depressed deep tendon reflexes
Sign of magnesium toxicity in patients.
Nursing care for hypermagnesemia
Stop IV magnesium, administer calcium gluconate.
Peripheral Edema
Swelling due to fluid accumulation in tissues.
Urosepsis
Systemic infection from UTI, can lead to shock.
Urinalysis
Tests urine for color, clarity, and presence of blood.
Tonicity
The ability of a solution to affect fluid movement between body compartments.
Interstitial
The fluid compartment between cells.
Intravascular
The fluid compartment within blood vessels.
Intracellular
The fluid compartment within cells.
Hydrostatic Pressure
The force of the blood pressure when blood reaches the capillaries (the 'OUT' force).
Osmotic Pressure
The force that solids exert on water; water will go towards high concentrations of solutes to balance the proportion.
Daily Weights
The most accurate measure of fluid status; report loss or gain of 1 kg (2.2 lbs) in 24 hours.
Pulmonary Edema
The most dangerous outcome of hypervolemia, requiring urgent treatment.
Cerebral Edema
The most dangerous outcome of hypotonic excess, requiring quick treatment.
Osmosis
The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.
Electrolyte Monitoring
The process of checking electrolyte levels to manage fluid balance.
Fluid Volume Excess (FVE)
Too much fluid in the body due to excessive intake or ineffective removal.
Hypotonic FVE
Too much water without electrolytes, causing dilution of the blood and third-spacing.
Intake and Output (I&O)
Tracking fluid intake and excretion amounts.
Female hygiene practices
Wipe front to back, avoid bubble baths.
